Row, row, row your boat in Central Park

One thing that I always find surprising about NYC is the number of boating activities that there are. A great way to spend a sunny afternoon in NYC is by heading to the Boat House in Central Park and renting a row boat.

You get to walk through the park, and maybe make a few detours, as well as getting to row on the lake with the fabulous NYC skyline as a backdrop. Consider bringing a snack or beverages for the boat ride, or for a picnic on the lawn afterwards.

Info:

Location: East 72nd St. & Park Drive North

Phone: 212-517-2233

Hours: April 15 through October 31 - Daily 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM - Weather permitting

Price: Each rowboat is $10 per hour. Each additional half-hour is $5. There is a $30 deposit per boat.A single rowboat holds up to 4 people.

Directions: Take the 6 train to 68th street. Walk North to 72nd street and then East to Central Park. Check the Central Park Boat House website here for a good map.

Ice skating in the city

Most people have had the opportunity to go ice-skating while growing up, but there is something that is just extra special about ice skating in NYC. The ability to glide on the ice while looking at the sky scrapers surrounding you make ice skating in New York such a novelty.

This is a great way to break up a day of eating, shopping, and show seeing and it is a great option for people who like to keep your body moving, have kids, or need something romantic to do on a date.

Luckily, there are a lot of ice skating options in NYC to suit a variety of geographic limitations, budgets, and scenery preferences.

Brooklyn Info:

Prospect Park Ice skating:

Website: http://www.prospectpark.org/ice_skating

Season: November 26 - March 15

Hours: M: 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.; T: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. ; W: 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. ; Th: 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.; F: 8:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. ; Sat: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; 2 – 6 p.m.; 7 – 10 p.m.; Sun: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; 2 – 6 p.m. (weather permitting - call (718) 287-6431 for updates)

Price: Adults: $5; Children (14 and under) & Seniors: $3; Skate Rental: $6.50

Location: In Prospect Park near the Parkside Avenue/Ocean Avenue entrance of the Park.

Directions: • Q, S, or B Train to Prospect Park station • B-41 bus to Flatbush Ave. and Ocean Ave. • B-43 bus to Ocean Ave. and Lincoln Rd. • B-48 bus to Lincoln Rd.

Manhattan Info

Wollman Rink in Central Park

Website: http://www.wollmanskatingrink.com/main_wollman.htm
Location:
Season:
Hours: M & T: 10:00am - 2:30pm; W & Th: 10:00am - 10:00pm; F & Sat: 10:00am - 11:00pm; Sun: 10:00am - 9:00pm.
Price: Adults: $10 - $14; Children: $5.25-$ 5.50; Seniors: $ 4.75-$8.25; Skate Rentals: $6 (tax incl.); Lock Rental: $ 4.25- $ 6; Spectator Fee: $5 (Deposit).
Directions:

Subway: Take the A, B, C, D, 1, 9 to 59th St; Take the N, R to 5th Ave.; Take the B, Q to
57th Street

Best Entrance: Central Park South (59th Street) and 6th Avenue. Wollman Rink is a two
minute walk into Central Park from this entrance. Follow the footpath directly into the park.


Rockefeller Center Rink

Website: http://www.patinagroup.com/east/iceRink/
Location: Enter from Fifth Avenue (Between 49th and 50th Streets)
Price: $19 for Adults, $12.50 for Children (under 11), and $9 skate rental.
Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00am - 10:30pm, Friday - Saturday 8:30am - Midnight, Sunday 8:30am - 10:00pm
Directions: B, D, F, V at Rockefeller Center, 47-50 Streets


Bryant Park Rink

Website: http://www.thepondatbryantpark.com/
Location: located in Bryant Park, which is located between 40th and 42nd Streets and 5th and 6th Avenues.
Season: October 24, 2008 through January 25, 2009
Hours: Sunday - Thursday: 8am - 10pm; Friday & Saturday: 8am - Midnight
Price: General Admission: FREE; Skate Rentals: $12 Lockers: FREE; Locks: $9
Directions: B,D,F,V,7 to 42nd St., Bryant ParkA,C,E,1,2,3,N,R,Q,W to Times Square4,5,6 to Grand Central Station


I know that there are other rinks in the city, so if you know of one, please let the information in the comments.